(MENAFN) Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expressed on Tuesday his support for holding a premature presidential election once the nation's financial plan has been finalized.

In an interview with a news agency, Philippe stated, "I believe he (President Emmanuel Macron) should take some initiative, and it seems to me he would do himself credit if for example, he proposed a name for prime minister ... whose role would be to handle current affairs and prepare a budget, to have that budget passed, and once France has a budget ... he (Macron) announces that he will call an early presidential election."

Philippe clarified that he does not support the notion of removing the president from power, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to “force a president of the republic to leave.”

He warned that such an action would be too sudden and chaotic. "I’m not in favor of such an immediate and abrupt resignation. It would have a terrible impact; it would prevent a presidential election from being held under proper conditions," he added.

These remarks followed the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday.

Lecornu, the fifth individual to hold the role in under two years, stepped down amid intensifying scrutiny surrounding the recently revealed Cabinet lineup.

His departure triggered further disapproval directed at Macron’s leadership.

In a separate interview with a broadcaster, far-right National Rally figurehead Marine Le Pen described Macron’s resignation as a “wise” course of action.

She also pressed for the dissolution of the National Assembly, a move she considers “absolutely unavoidable.”

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